Pride Of Dubai Claims Impressive ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes Win

Talented two-year-old Pride Of Dubai has continued his exceptional run of form through the Autumn Carnival at Randwick this afternoon; breaking through for a second-consecutive Group 1 victory in the ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) on Day 1 of The Championships.

Pride Of Dubai posted a second Group 1 victory in this afternoon’s ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes at Randwick. Photo: Steve Hart

Jumping from the gates only fairly, jockey Hugh Bowman was forced to push the Street Cry colt wide to find a clear racing line in order to gain distance on early leaders Always Allison and English; who were particularly quick away from the barriers.

Finding the final straight with plenty to do, Bowman quickly pressed Pride Of Dubai forward and locked in a fierce pace battle with Rageese; pulling a length clear upon reaching the line ahead of Team Hawkes’ runner and Odyssey Moon, who dead-heated for second.

“I had a lot of confidence in this horse,” Bowman said.

“Practically all things didn’t go that smoothly for me but I was able to keep the horse in a nice rhythm throughout.

“At the top of the straight I could feel the pressure coming and although I felt like I had a nice bit in hand I must admit closing through the 300m mark I thought I didn’t have a lot left.

“It reminded me a lot of Hallowed Crown’s recent victories this afternoon; he got inside the 200m mark and when I needed him to lift he did.

“Full credit to him – he had to do it the hard way and he’s going to be a very exciting horse heading into the Champagne Stakes but wait ‘til you see him as a three-year-old.”

Co-trainer Paul Snowden was on hand to witness Pride Of Dubai’s impressive win in the 2015 ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes and revealed a tilt at the Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m) in two weeks’ time remains a hopeful prospect.

“It’s enormous – a great thrill,” Snowden said.

“Full credit to the horse, as Hughie said he was four deep most of the race with no cover and to be emptied out at the furlong and then fight back late, it’s a credit to the horse.

“I’ve roared like I’ve never roared before in my life today, so I hope I can do it again,” he added of a possible Champagne Stakes berth.

Having contested just four competitive races since debuted in late December, Pride of Dubai is yet to finish outside the first three and is sure to firm as favourite to take out the Champagne Stakes on April 18th following this afternoon’s success.

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